Choosing a rule for plastering walls

Selecting the appropriate tools is essential for plastering walls in order to achieve a smooth and even finish. The plastering rule is one of your most important tools. By using this tool, you can make sure that the plaster is applied uniformly throughout the surface, getting rid of any bumps or irregularities.

A straight edge composed of metal or wood is the standard form of a plastering rule. Its goal is to efficiently level the plaster so that you can get the thickness and smoothness that you want. The size of the project and the particular needs of the surface you’re working on will determine which kind of rule is best for you.

A shorter rule may be more practical and offer better control and precision for smaller jobs or detailed work. However, longer rules are frequently needed for larger projects in order to cover a greater area, which allows for faster application and smoother results over larger surfaces.

Think about things like cleaning ease, longevity, and flexibility when selecting a plastering rule. For curved or uneven surfaces, flexible rules are useful because they let the plaster conform smoothly without causing damage. Long-lasting materials guarantee dependability and longevity, and surfaces that are simple to clean make maintenance easier and increase the rule’s lifespan.

Variety and features of models

• stainless steel and have a rectangular shape;
• from a wooden block or slats using the most durable wood species.

Aluminum’s low weight and high strength qualities made it the ideal starting material for tool manufacturing. These goods are dependable and long-lasting. Furthermore, wooden tools must be abandoned during plastering due to the high moisture content; once dried, the lath loses its original shape.

Such issues can be avoided by impregnating wood slats with specific compounds or the well-known drying oil. There are situations where a wooden tool is more dependable and convenient (such as when working with a solution that has little moisture).

The rule’s size is one of its unique characteristics when it comes to plastering walls. Products are made by modern manufacturers in various lengths:

These are the most widely used and appropriate sizes for the devices that are typically plastered onto walls. Not only is the longest device required for plastering, but it is also required for quality assurance. It is easy to check the diagonal of the formed surface with this device in order to remove undetected irregularities.

Using the same principle, you can remove detected flaws after plastering is finished. Cut away any extra semi-dry mortar from the wall with a sharp edge.

It is best to use a tool with a steel edge for these purposes. It is not prone to deformation and, even with the tool’s minor weighting, contributes to its convenience, dependability, and versatility.

Distinctive features and features

It would be impossible to create the perfect wall surface without a few necessary details:

1. High-quality material used to make the tool. When purchasing, you need to pay attention to the appearance of the product. There should be no paint on its surface.
2. The color should be bright metallic without spots or streaks.
3. The working surface is flat, smooth, without chips or nicks.
4. The quality rule has stiffening ribs that guarantee long-term use of the tool, absence of deformation and its resistance to mechanical damage.

The location of the plastering will determine which rule is used:

1. For plastering walls outside the building, use a device with a rounded thin edge of the working surface.
2. For internal ones – with a sharp edge.

There are a few requirements that must be met when selecting a plastering rule with your hands. The tool needs to be lightweight, strong, and flawlessly smooth. While buying a spirit level-equipped device is a good idea, the most important thing is to practice plastering first in order to gain the necessary knowledge and skills.

The features of the space where the work is to be done will also influence the tool selection:

1. In small rooms with complex geometry, a rule is used, the length of which is from 1 to 1.5 m. It is easier for them to work in cramped conditions and level small sections of walls.
2. Using a device from 2 to 2.5 m long, it is convenient to plaster large areas. On the walls in such rooms, beacons are installed at a distance of at least 1 m. When applying the plaster mixture, the working edge of the rule rests freely on the beacons on both sides, without catching adjacent walls.

The procedure for performing manipulations and rules for using the tool

Plastering walls requires some surface preparation beforehand, which includes:

• cleaning from the previous coating;
• treatment with antiseptic compounds;
• primer impregnation;
• installation of construction beacons.

You must prepare gypsum plaster for fixing the beacons and use a building level in order to ensure that the leveling and plaster mixture application follow all regulations, as illustrated in the following photo:

1. If the 2 m long rule is to be used when leveling a wall at least 5 m long, start installing the beacons from the far corner, retreating from it at least 50 cm.
2. The second beacon is mounted at a distance of strictly 1 m from the first.
3. The distance between everyone else does not change.

Plaster can be directly prepared and applied to the wall surface once the gypsum composition, on which the metal strips are installed, has fully solidified. It is preferable to use a plaster sprayer when treating large areas.

The mixture meant for plastering interior surfaces is made up of 4:1 cement to sand ratio. Depending on which layer of the mixture is to be applied to the surface, water is added. There are three layers to the plaster:

1. Splash. To create it, a fairly liquid solution is used, which ensures reliable adhesion of the composition to the wall surface. To apply it, you can use equipment such as a plaster sprayer.
2. The primer is applied strictly after the first layer has completely dried. This is the main thickness of the plaster layer. It can be applied in several stages, as shown in the photo.
3. The final, thinnest, 2 mm layer is the cover. To create it, you will need a solution that is not as thick and durable as the primer, which is spread on the leveled surface and smoothed with a hawk or half-trowel.

Selecting the appropriate plastering rule is essential to getting a uniform and smooth wall finish. Various types of rules, such as wooden, plastic, or metal, have varying benefits depending on the needs of the project. For large-scale plastering projects, metal rules made of aluminum or stainless steel offer exceptional precision and durability. They are perfect for professional use because they are corrosion-resistant and simple to clean.

Plastic rules are more cost-effective and lightweight, making them ideal for do-it-yourselfers and smaller projects. They are generally available in different lengths to fit different wall sizes and are simple to handle. They may not be as durable as metal rules, though, and they may deteriorate more quickly with repeated use.

Wooden rules offer a traditional option with a smooth surface that reduces the possibility of leaving marks on freshly applied plaster. They are typically made from straight-grained hardwood. Even though their use is decreasing these days, they are still occasionally utilized in restoration projects where their softer touch is appreciated.

Take into account your skill level, the size of the project, and the desired finish type when selecting a plastering rule. Purchasing a quality rule that suits your requirements will have a big impact on the outcome and guarantee that your walls are flawlessly smooth and prepared for painting or other finishing touches.

Choosing the appropriate type of rule is essential when plastering walls in order to achieve smooth, even surfaces. A rule is a useful tool for spreading and leveling plaster because it can be made of wood, aluminum, or plastic. Every variety has its own advantages: wooden rules are classic and feel natural, aluminum rules are strong and light, and plastic rules are frequently less expensive and easier to maintain. Knowing these choices enables both professionals and do-it-yourselfers to select the rule that best suits the requirements of their project, guaranteeing accurate and polished wall plastering outcomes.

Video on the topic

H-shaped rule. What is the advantage?

How to choose a high-quality CONSTRUCTION RULE. Aluminum rule for screed, plaster.

The best rule for plasterers. combined

Plaster: all about the material and leveling the walls | Secrets, tips and experience of a professional

Gypsum plaster or cement? How to choose plaster for interior work.

A method of plastering walls that surprised a plasterer with 40 years of experience

16 mistakes in plastering walls.